Monday, April 15, 2013

It is April and my northeastern Long Island garden is finally coming to life after a long and harsh winter. The temperatures have been rising into the 50's and 60's with one day topping at 81 degrees, causing spring to literally "bust out all over".
I have been waiting for this favorite time of year and just got finished doing some spring weeding and getting some photographs for this month's Garden Blogger's Bloom Day hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens. Come along and take a look!

White Crocus

The Crocus are the first blooms to arrive with shades of purple and white and are a very welcome sight. They were late to arrive this year so I am very excited to see them!

Pink Hyacinth

The Hyancinths are opening to display their beautiful blooms in shades of pink and purple...

Purple Hyacinthand their sweet fragrance is one of the first for spring. I am happy that I can view these right from my back door.

Sedum 'Aurea'The Sedum 'Aurea' has all of a sudden turned back to its golden color again after a recent rainfall and will soon be displaying yellow blooms along the rocks by the pool. No matter how small the crevaces in the rocks...this perennial thrives.

Magnolia 'Royal Star'The rains and warmer temperatures have also caused the buds on my Magnolia 'Royal Star' to open and display their beautiful blooms. There is also a mild fragrance that can be sensed across the yard and I so look forward to this every year.

Sedum 'Brilliant'Here comes Sedum 'Brilliant' emerging out of the soil displaying its tiny rosette-like foliage. The characteristic of this perennial that I most admire is its perfect circular shape year after year then of course its blooms in late summer.
It is a sure winner.

Sedum 'Dragons Blood'Here is my Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'. Strange name for a perennial but don't let the name deter you. I planted it last fall because I admired its deep purple-red foliage and fuchsia blooms later in the season. It is also a nice spring addition as it makes its first debut after the long winter.

Weeping Pussy Willow CatkinsThe Weeping Pussy Willow has proven to be one of my favorite additions to the garden. I look forward to the beginning of spring each year as the soft white catkins burst open with yellow pollen. These bees are definitely in their glory!

Coral Bark Maple and Golden Oriental SpruceThis photograph was taken just after one of our spring rains at an opportune photo moment when the sky was amazing. In the backdrop is my Coral Bark Maple starting to bud out. Soon it will be covered in leaves of light green.

ForthysiaI planted this Forthysia on the center median of our street so that I could see it from my front window every spring...love the bright yellow blooms.

Pansies!Love these pansies outside my back door!

Spring April 2013

Spring is certainly my favorite time of year when the landscape turns into a sea of blooms. Being a true gardener I love being outside and tending to the garden and just thought about today why I rarely wear gloves. Never having really thought about it much I came to the conclusion that I just love being at one with the landscape...simply put..it is delightful! Thank you for visiting and please visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming in other's gardens. Please leave a note so I know you've been here and I will be sure to visit you as well. If you are looking for me I'll be out in the garden!As Always...Happy Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013.
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Welcome!

Welcome to A Guide to Northeastern Gardening. I am a landscape/garden designer, consultant and published book author of "A Guide to Northeastern Gardening-Journeys of a Garden Designer" and "Landscape Design Combinations". Involved in the horticultural field since 1996, I started this blog so that I could share my love of gardening with others. Join me for over 200 articles on general gardening, landscape design principles, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, feature plants and more. I look forward to and welcome your comments and will try my best to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you for visiting and do come back often! Happy Gardening! ~ Lee (A Guide to Northeastern Gardening)

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About Me

My husband and I live on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. I am a retired educator of 32 years, have been designing landscapes since 1996, and am the owner of my own landscape design business. My love of spending time in the garden has been and will always be a part of me. I started off by designing the gardens of friends and neighbors. With the encouragement of friends I decided to further my education in horticulture and design and became a landscape designer. I started up my business which grew by word of mouth and became what it is today. With shovel in hand since the age of five my love for creating now continues. When not designing I can be found in my own gardens planning the next addition...a never ending process. "A garden is an extension of its owner...a thing of beauty that constantly changes and can be enjoyed forever..."

Plant Hardiness Zone Maps

Hardiness Zones 3-9

The plants discussed in this blog are mainly hardy to zones 3-9. See individual plant details and the zone maps below for more information. An interactive USDA Map is located in the top navigation bar.